Keegan McGovern hits Grand Slam in 5-3 win

Peoria, IL (August 14, 2018) - In the Clinton LumberKings final meeting of the year with the Peoria Chiefs Keegan McGovern's grand slam proved be the difference in a 5-3 win on Tuesday night at Dozer Park. The home run was McGovern's second of the series and gave the LumberKings (24-27, 63-58) a lead they did not relinquish.
Clinton starter Tyler Jackson had trouble starting innings but rebounded to turn in four innings of work. Dennis Ortega scored the first run of the game on a solo home run to left on the first pitch thrown from Jackson. The home run was Ortega's fourth of the year and his second against Clinton.
In the top of the second, the Chiefs again led the inning off with a home run. Luken Baker smacked a line drive solo home run to left center for his third home run of the year and second of the series. Rayder Ascanio then capped the rally with an RBI double to right center field.
Trailing 3-0, the LumberKings rallied with one man on and two men out in the top of the third. Billy Cooke and Joseph Rosa drew walks as Chiefs starter Johan Oviedo struggled to throw strikes. McGovern then came up with the bases loaded and on a 3-1 pitch from Oviedo (9-8) launched a grand slam to right to turn a three-run deficit into a one run lead.
Oviedo was hung with the loss for the Chiefs. He worked five innings allowing four runs on three hits while walking two and striking out nine. Chiefs pitching combined to strikeout 15 over their nine innings of work.
Marvin Gorgas followed Jackson out of the bullpen and earned the win for a three-inning outing in which he allowed no runs on three hits. Gorgas (6-2) walked none and struck out three as LumberKings pithing combined to strikeout 12 Chiefs batters.
Clinton added an insurance run in the top of the seventh. Connor Hoover singled with two out and moved to third on a failed pickoff attempt that went down the line at first and Rainis Silva followed with an RBI single to center.
Sam Delaplane then worked around a one out single to Rayder Ascanio in the bottom of the ninth to strikeout the final two batters of the game and record his team leading ninth save of the year.
The LumberKings will return home to Ashford University Field to open a three-game series and homestand with the Beloit Snappers starting on Wednesday night. Clinton will throw right-hander Ryne Inman (4-8, 4.60) while the Snappers will counter with righty Jean Ruiz (4-9, 4.07). First pitch is slated for 6:30 PM. Fans looking to listen to the game can hear Erik Oas on the call on 100.3 FM WCCI and online at lumberkings.com via the tunein radio ap at 6:15 PM with the pregame show.
Wednesday's are "Retro Beer Nights" at Ashford University Field. All fans 21 years and older can enjoy Hamm's, PBR, and Miller High Life sold exclusively out of the first beer stand at the retro price of just $2.
About the LumberKings 
 
The LumberKings, the only remaining Charter Member of the Midwest League, are in their 63rd season in the league and their 10th as an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since the club's inception in 1937, 280 former Clinton players have made it to the Major Leagues. The LumberKings play at historic Ashford University Field located off 6th Avenue North at 537 Ballpark Drive. Advertising and tickets for the 2018 season are available by calling (563) 242-0727 or by visiting lumberkings.com